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After the ride... or should i say after the catastrophic flood
I don't know how to begin. I have mixed feelings of helplessness, despair, worry, anger... Each day hasn't been easy, as you had half of your paycheck going towards mortgage and car loan payments, with two children, living expenses, and everything else. Pursuing hobbies felt like a distant dream. Three years ago, when my daughters showed a keen interest in cycling, I pulled out my old 26" mountain bike from the garage, and together we started going on short trips along country roads, trails, and through forests. Of course, these outings were tailored to their ages. Despite all the expenses, last year I bought them new decent 24" and 20" bikes with front suspension (they are 9 and 7 years old), and we spent every weekend cycling in the local area. It might sound a bit amusing, but with an average monthly salary of €1200, this is quite a significant amount of money – spending €300 on one bike and €460 on the other. This year, I managed to save up some money. Being a member of this forum for three years and enjoying reading all the discussions about building bikes with Chinese carbon frames, as well as the advice on bike assembly, and partly due to financial constraints that prevented me from buying a well-known branded bike, I finally took the step and purchased a carbon full-suspension frame, the Lexon Riot from AliExpress, while it was on sale. Over the course of several months, I gradually acquired a complete Shimano SLX 12-speed drivetrain, Deore brakes, bought a used Rock Shox SID 120mm fork and a rear Sidluxe Select+, as well as a few other items from AliExpress (Toseek handlebars and seatpost, Ztto pedals, grips). I was still waiting for the affordable used Deore wheelset, which I was supposed to receive this week. For all of this, I spent less than €1800, and I was looking forward to assembling the bike and going on my first ride with the new setup. I was looking forward to receiving the final postal package with the Deore wheelset, but unfortunately, I got something else... Last week, our country was hit by a catastrophe. Considering this is an American forum, you probably aren't aware, but on Friday, severe floods struck 2/3 of the Alpine region in Slovenia, where I also reside. These were unprecedented floods in history and caused extensive devastation. https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-europe-66423977 https://www.independent.co.uk/news/slovenia-ap-ursula-von-der-leyen-pope-francis-ljubljana-b2390146.html?0=utm_source=ground.news&1=utm_medium=referral I too suffered consequences as we had 30cm of water inside the house. So, up until today, we've been cleaning up the mud and disposing of the ruined belongings. The worst, however, was the fate of the shed where I had stored the bikes. On Friday morning, while I was dealing with water seeping through the window cracks (there was around 130cm or about 50 inches of water outside), I wasn't even aware of what was happening on the other side of the house, where the shed for storing the bikes stood. The force of the river literally undermined it, causing it to collapse and be swept away by the strong river current. And with it, of course, all our 4 bikes. When the water receded, my friends and I went a few kilometers through the flooded area, hoping to find the bikes somewhere, but unfortunately, luck wasn't on our side. So instead of writing something about post-ride experiences... I can only write about post-flood experiences ![]() August 13, 2023, 12:03:13 PM |
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Re: Stumpjumper clone
Hi all, I wanted to share my story on the Airwolf Stumpjumper clone. https://airwolfcarbonbike.com/product/yfm018-2022-am-carbon-mtb-frame-29-full-suspension-frames-stumpjumper-boost-148mm-enduro-rear-travel142mm-racing-mountain-bike-frameset/ I ordered my frame back in via Airwolf in May. I ordered the Specialized OEM parts: chainstay guard, shock top bolt, flip chip and the down tube protector. When receiving the frame The down tube protector was wasted as the holes for mounting is was not drilled and the top bolt needed 4-5 mm removed to fit. Rest fitted in - flip chip needed some brute force to fit (I did not resort to removing material from chip or shock fork). Second check was to check bearings and bolts. As already elaborated by others the tolerancesn bolts is in the bin. Bearings is fitted on axles with locktite as there is almost 0,2mm play on all bolts. Bearings is just poor quality - all bolts and bearings was binned and OEM bolt and bearing set was bought. Further more the the seatclamp was replaced with a bolt-type as the one delivered with the frame is crap. I put two rides on the bike - 1 XC ride and one where the frame was stressed a little - a couple of 1 m step downs at speed and railing some berms at high speeds and 5-6 small jumps 2-3 meters with ok landings. The result was that after 3,5 hrs of riding the front Cracked. The crack started at the main pivot on the drive side extending 30mm upwards. I reach out to Airwolf and I was promised a replacement, but I have zero confidence I the frame, so I will probably get rid of it once the replacement part arrive. Post thoughts: The rear axel, derailleur hanger and headset should also have be replaced as the stuff is junk/ questionable quality. If you are looking for a Chinese carbon frame I would recommend that you buy a frame from a company with in-house design-capability with actual knowledge about engineering and matrix design. These “look alike” frames is not worth the materials they are made from and will not stand to be used as the original design intended. If you are looking for a curb-cruiser they will probably be just fine. I am planning to cut the cracked fron and have a look at how the junker was built. If you have questions feel free to PM me. August 26, 2023, 03:23:29 PM |
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Re: Chinese Carbon 29er Pic Thread.
There has been some bikes built. Me, my wife and my son has been upgraded quite a few times. Some great bikes StefanB. I have not built as many bikes as you, but I'm always thinking about the next one! I find researching and building these Chinese frames much more interesting than just buying a mainstream brand. It looks like you have some beautiful trails and scenery too! Where do you live? December 05, 2023, 01:16:37 PM |
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Re: Carbonda FM 1003 / Flybike FM 1266 180mm "Super Enduro"
I had no problems with noise at bike parks except sometimes for harsh chain slap on braking bumps, which I assume will be fixed now that I’m installing a VHS Tape chainstay protector like the one on my FM1002.
February 29, 2024, 11:51:13 PM |
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Re: Carbonda FM 1003 / Flybike FM 1266 180mm "Super Enduro"
Yep I’ve applied an old tube top and bottom ![]() February 29, 2024, 11:55:15 PM |
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Re: Carbonda FM 1003 / Flybike FM 1266 180mm "Super Enduro"
Here it is minus the shock. hopefully the rim decals come in soon so i can get rid of that red on there.
April 29, 2024, 11:16:14 PM |
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Re: Carbonda FM 1003 / Flybike FM 1266 180mm "Super Enduro"
Upper headset bearing
May 06, 2024, 06:38:22 PM |
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Re: Tideace 2022 New Enduro Mold FS838 Being Production
More picture attached. Contact us, eddy@haidelibicycle.com Now size M in stock. May 20, 2024, 04:51:00 AM |
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New High Pivot Full Suspension Carbon Frame!!!
Hi Guys, Anybody here are interested in high pivot full suspension frame? Yes or no What is your preference on travel option F/R? My personal preference is 150F/140R High Single Pivot or 4 bars Horst link suspension? I think 4 bar Horst link is more straight forward Let's put our opinions here, so manufacturers know what specification they should design for high pivot frame in near future. May 21, 2024, 02:31:15 AM |
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Re: Spcycle 2023 New Travel 120mm Super Light 29er full suspension frame
Dear All The aluminum alloy rocker arm has been manufactured. We will start to send aluminum alloy rocker arms to customers for free next week. At the same time, we have also updated the mold for the carbon rocker arm. The new rocker arm will be thicker and stronger. Bset Regards David May 25, 2024, 02:53:31 AM |
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